The Splash Car Wash experience is a hybrid of products, equipment and innovation, all methodically tended to by the Mallo family
By Patricia Nugent
Splash Car Wash has kept true to its mission of offering a high-tech cleaning protocol with personable customer service and membership programs that reward loyal clients. Joining the successful Green and Fairlawn locations is the all-new Splash Car Wash Touchless—formerly Wash Works Express—opening April 1.
The Splash experience is a hybrid of products, equipment and innovation.
Management invests in top-of-the-line Simonize cleansing agents to break down oils and road salt to return a car’s finish to a showroom shine, as well as hot wax and ceramic sealants that actually make the car easier to wash over time.
From a mechanical perspective, the Green and Fairlawn locations tap into NeoGlide foam instead of brushes to provide gentle friction that safely cleans vehicles. It does not absorb dirt and grime, but rather repels it. At Coventry the wash is touchless.
They also offer TLC for the undercarriage of cars by blasting away dirt and grime and applying a rust inhibitor in the final stage.
New Super Tunnel and Detail Center
At the Fairlawn location, look for announcement of grand opening festivities for its new 175-foot Super Tunnel and Express Interior/Exterior Detail Center.
According to General Manager Michael Blitch, the new Detail Center will include a precision conveyor belt with two-person teams stationed at five stages spaced every 20 feet to meticulously detail your car. And within eight fine detail bays, car owners can arrange for more extensive detailing services, such as hand waxing and carpet shampooing.
The management at Splash is intent on rewarding its customers, so anyone who is a member at any location can still get discounts on the interior express cleaning services at the Fairlawn location.
Membership Has Its Privileges
Members with monthly packages save money and enjoy the perk of unlimited washes.
For DIYers who like to clean their own interiors, every wash or package includes access to high-powered vacuums designed to get vehicles to a higher level of clean, located directly outside the tunnels.
Even with all the high-tech touches, Splash still offers personable customer service, with a kiosk area where customers are greeted and their needs met in an efficient manner, all from the convenience of their vehicle.
Meet the Mallo Family
Few families around town can say they’ve been founding businesses and giving back to the community for more than 50 years.
As owners of Splash Car Wash, Joe Mallo and his father, John, have followed an impressive family tradition.
John graduated from Kent State University in 1962 and started a Budget Rent a Car franchise in 1967. He later expanded the business to Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Columbus, Ohio, but Northeast Ohio remained close to his heart.
John’s father Offie Mallo arrived in the Akron area in the early 1900s. He worked at the Akron Beacon Journal for years, building many lasting relationships. John’s father owned the original land that he founded the business on.
The family decided to diversify and expand into the car wash business in 2015 and Joe came back from Las Vegas to join the team in 2016. They have built the business to become one of the biggest and busiest operations in the state.
When the family was researching the industry and planning the scope of the buildings, they realized that most tunnels at the time were around 130 feet long. They chose to expand that to 175 feet long to offer a better-quality service. Their concept was to provide not just a car wash, but rather a car wash experience. For instance, they constructed the building with a curved polycarbonate roof to let in light and provide better air circulation.
Today, the next generation of Mallos is still working hard and innovating. Joe’s daughter, Danielle, is a social media maven who also helps out with marketing. Nephew Vince is assistant manager, crafting a next-level customer experience. Joe’s brother, JJ, is also part of the team.
Over the years, John and his sister Teresa and brother Michael, along with the whole Mallo family, have been entrenched in the Akron community. They’ve been active on the chamber of commerce, sponsored sports teams, supported local schools and Boy Scouts, as well as championing causes such as breast cancer research.
Splash Car Wash locations include: Green, at 3405 S. Arlington Road (in front of Lowe’s), 330-536-WASH (9274); Coventry, at 3385 Manchester Road, 234-334-1173; and Fairlawn, at 130 South Cleveland Massillon Road (next to Aldi), just south of Route 18, 330-576-3940. Come in Mondays for $1 off any wash. Monthly memberships are available online at SplashCarWashCo.com.